Why do so many Post Office workers make chit chat and go as slow as possible?

[Wott Wott]

when there is a line going out the door with people with packages?
Is there a balance between civility and pleasantness and a sense of urgency to get things flowing ? Why stand there with your hands folded listening to a person talk about something totally unrelated to the job at hand with people in the background standing and looking at their watches ?? Isn't a quick smile and a 'Next' the best policy at times?
Do they not even care after a while ?

 

[Boo Boo Kitty]

This especially happens in small town post offices. You will be waiting in line and someone will want to chat about their whole life story. I notice the postal worker trying to move on to the next person. But it is hard trying not to be rude about it.

 

[PaoloPH]

Not sure where which post office you to go, but mine are a LOT better than in years past.

Back then, they had an attitude of "I'm a government employee....I can do next to nothing and not get fired".

I don't get that attitude at all anymore.

 

[xenonoh2]

Some smaller offices try to relate to the customers more in order to continue to receive their business. If you are having an issue with your local office, call and ask to speak to the Postmaster/Station Manager of that office and voice your concerns. It could be something as simple as coaching needed on the part of the employee in order to get them to recognize that they may be taking a little too much time with each customer.